The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), recently announced that TOEFL scores will once again be considered for Australian visa applications. This decision follows the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) temporary suspension of TOEFL score acceptance in July 2023, pending review.
Effective from exams taken on or after May 5, 2024, the re-acceptance of TOEFL scores is particularly significant for Indian students and professionals. The significance of this decision showcases the popularity of Australia as an ideal study abroad and work destination for Indian students.
Recent data indicates that TOEFL iBT is accepted by all Australian universities and over 12,500 institutions worldwide. However, the temporary unavailability of TOEFL iBT stemmed from impending changes by ETS announced on July 25, 2023, prompting the pause, as communicated by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
During the period when TOEFL scores were not accepted, alternative English Proficiency Tests were considered, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), Cambridge English (CAE or C1 Advanced), and the Occupational English Test (OET) tailored for healthcare professionals.
Last year, ETS unveiled changes to the TOEFL test, including a reduction in test duration to less than two hours, aiming to enhance efficiency and the overall test-taking experience for candidates. This move reflects ETS’s commitment to adaptability and innovation in response to evolving educational and immigration requirements. The re-acceptance of TOEFL scores by the Australian government underscores the test’s global recognition and its role in facilitating international mobility and opportunities for students and professionals worldwide.
